
Complete More Projects With Virtual Project Managers
Running a business that caters to multiple projects at the same time can be daunting and may divert your attention from more important tasks. That’s where a Virtual Project Manager (VPM) comes in — they can manage your web development or software projects for you.
A dedicated VPM takes care of your project resources and team to complete your business application development process within budget and in a timely manner.
As a result, you’ll have more time to focus on your organization and complete more projects. Discover other ways a reliable project manager can benefit your business below.
Source: Exploding Topics.
What is a Virtual Project Manager?
A VPM remotely oversees and manages projects, ensuring deliverables are achieved on time in a cost-efficient manner.
They can manage a variety of software development projects from mobile applications and web development projects to business applications development.
Project management can be a challenging endeavor, which is why you need experienced project managers.
Project managers keep the workflow organized and on track. Although a VPM’s responsibilities are similar to a traditional project manager’s, they can remotely navigate the project management process.
Source: Finances Online.
To help give you an idea of what you can expect from managers, here are a few of their roles:
- Setting clear project objectives;
- Planning and organizing project workflow;
- Building and managing the development team;
- Communicating between client and team;
- Creating a risk management plan;
- Conducting quality control and assurance, and
- Monitoring and reporting project performance.
The Benefits of Collaborating with Virtual Project Managers
Cost-effectiveness
One of the most compelling benefits of hiring a dedicated VPM is cost-effectiveness. An experienced VPM already has the skills and expertise to manage a team. Thus, you won’t have to spend resources on hiring and training an in-house manager.
Source: Deloitte.
In addition, you only have to pay for the time they spend on the project. Hence, you can maximize your budget better compared to hiring an in-house expert.
Virtual Project Managers work remotely, so you won’t need to provide them with physical office space. Furthermore, you won’t have to pay for travel expenses if you need to hold meetings for your project.
That’s because you can conveniently conduct meetings through video calls.
Flexibility and scalability
Another benefit of hiring VPMs for business application development or a related project is the capability for you to scale up as your requirements grow.
If you need to add another manager for more projects, you can easily do so with one call.
When you have access to an agency, they can immediately provide you with another reliable manager to help you stay focused on your business goals.
Additionally, VPMs are flexible and used to working with diverse teams and clients, so they can easily adapt to your project’s needs and timeline.
VPMs easily delegate tasks to available team members to ensure they can cater to your project’s requirements on time. As a result, they can build your business app faster to make your business operations more efficient.
Access to specialized skills and expertise
Another advantage to hiring a VPM for business application development is that you’ll have access to their skills.
Their knowledge of project management techniques and ample experience with running a team ensures that your project runs smoothly, even if they’re working remotely.
An experienced manager can work with clients from different industries. Thus, they offer insightful advice, best practices, or approaches to improve the business app development process.
In addition, a VPM’s expertise can help them foresee potential risks or problems your project may encounter. As a result, they can prepare or suggest realistic solutions.
Source: Northeastern University.
Time-saving advantages
The great thing about hiring VPMs is that they already have the expertise to handle a development team. Thus, they can immediately start managing your project.
In comparison, if you hire a new in-house manager, you’ll have to spend time training them before they can jump into your project.
Furthermore, if you outsource your project to an offshore project manager, such as from the Philippines, you can take advantage of the time difference.
For instance, the virtual manager and the team can work on your business app during their working hours, and you can get the deliverables the next business day.
Improved focus on core business activities
Perhaps the best thing about hiring a dedicated project manager is it gives you more time to focus on other core business activities. Thus, you won’t have to juggle between managing your business and projects.
After all, the manager knows the ins and outs of the development process, so they’ll know how to improve the workflow if necessary.
How to Find and Hire Virtual Project Managers
It’s important to know what to look for when hiring a VPM for business application development. Here are the steps to recruit the right one:
- Define the project role and requirements;
- Create and post the job opening;
- Review resumes and conduct initial screening;
- Conduct virtual interviews;
- Check references;
- Make an offer, and
- Onboard your project manager.
Alternatively, you can contact a reliable project management service provider to help you find a suitable manager. They screen and interview skilled candidates to find the right one for your projects!
Best Practices for Working with VPMs
To ensure that business application development goes smoothly, here are the best practices for working with VPMs:
Set clear expectations and goals.
Clearly define your project’s scope, objectives, and deliverables. This way, the VPM will know how to execute and organize the workflow so the team can create your business app to your standards.
Establish a collaborative work environment.
Encourage a culture of open communication. This way, the manager and team will feel comfortable with sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.
You can also use communication and project management tools to make task assignments and progress tracking easier.
Do regular check-ins and progress tracking.
It’s good practice to regularly check in with your project manager since it keeps you updated on your project. Implement a system for tracking progress, milestones, and deadlines to monitor your project’s status.
Future Trends and Innovations in Virtual Project Management
VPMs want to ensure they’re providing you with excellent services. They can do this by constantly improving their efficiency, collaboration, and communication skills.
Trends and innovations can help foster these, so here are a few you can look forward to:
- Automating routine tasks;
- Leveraging data analytics for decision-making and forecasts;
- Improving soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration;
- Updating technical skills, like data science and web security knowledge;
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration.
Streamline Application Development Workflows
Virtual Project Managers are the backbone of your business application development process. A dedicated project manager will ensure the workflow stays organized and tasks are done on time, so the team can complete your project before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Management
What are the 4 types of project management?
Here are the leading project management methodologies:
- Waterfall;
- Agile;
- Scrum, and
- Lean.
Why is the dedicated project management approach faster?
It’s often faster because it leads to focused resource allocation and streamlined decision-making. A dedicated project manager oversees the project, prioritizes tasks effectively, and ensures that team members are aligned with established goals. This reduces delays and enables quicker responses to any concerns.
What is the project management process in application development?
Here are its key phases:
- Defining the project scope, objectives, and stakeholders.
- Developing a project plan detailing tasks, timelines, resources, and budget.
- Implementing the project plan and developing the application.
- Continuously tracking progress, managing changes, and addressing any issues.
- Completing the project and delivering the finished app to stakeholders.
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